Parties make their pledges as voters go to the polls
THE people of Kirklees go to the polls tomorrow for the 2022 local elections.
A third of all 69 seats are up for election with one seat in all of the borough’s wards going to the polls. The council is currently in no overall control with Labour (33 seats), Conservative (19 seats), Liberal Democrat (nine seats), Green (three seats), Holme Valley Independents (three seats) and other Independents (two seats).
Of the seats up for election this year, Labour hold 11, Conservative six, Lib Dem four, Holme Valley
Independents one and Green one. There are 100 candidates standing.
Voting will begin at 7am tomorrow and will end at 10pm. Counting will begin at 1pm on Friday with a full declaration expected by 6.30pm.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the main parties Conservative, Green, Holme Valley Independents, Labour and the Liberal Democrats - to provide “minifestos” for what they would do if they find themselves in administration after May 5.
Labour are defending 11 wards with three - Denby Dale, Dewsbury East and Heckmondwike - being eyed by the Conservatives because winning would mean Labour could lose Cabinet members Will Simpson, Cathy Scott and Viv Kendrick.
As a consequence Labour has wheeled out some high-profile figures - including shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, deputy leader Angela Rayner and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin - to offer support with doorstep campaigning.
The Conservatives are defending six wards with both Colne Valley and Holme Valley South facing a scrap for the winner. The Tories are also looking to repeat last year’s victory in Lindley, where they defeated the Lib Dems.
Group leader David Hall is also defending his Liversedge and Gomersal seat, which is a traditional Conservative area and unlikely to face an opposition threat.
Speaking in February Clr Hall and